Image Restoration Filter Generation for Aperture-Dependent OTF Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image restoration processing methods require large volumes of data and computation due to the variation of optical transfer functions (OTFs) with aperture value, object distance, and focal length, leading to increased costs and processing times in image pickup apparatuses.
Innovation Solution
An image pickup apparatus and method that store and generate image restoration filters based on optical transfer functions, which are specific to image pickup conditions and positions, allowing for efficient data reduction and computation optimization by switching between different OTFs and filters depending on aperture values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If image restoration processing is performed using detailed OTF data for all image pickup conditions, then image restoration accuracy is improved, but data volume and computation time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image restoration process into two distinct paths based on aperture value: (1) for small aperture values, use pre-calculated detailed OTF data from storage; (2) for large aperture values, generate OTF data on-demand using a diffraction phenomenon calculation function. This segmentation reduces overall data volume while maintaining restoration accuracy for both cases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary calculation and storage of OTF data only for small aperture values where diffraction effects are minimal. For large aperture values, the system prepares a calculation function that can generate OTF data when needed, avoiding the need to store massive amounts of pre-calculated data for all possible conditions.
2Measurement precision
If image restoration processing is performed using detailed OTF data for all image pickup conditions, then image restoration accuracy is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image restoration process into two distinct paths based on aperture value: (1) for small aperture values, use pre-calculated detailed OTF data from storage; (2) for large aperture values, generate OTF data on-demand using a diffraction phenomenon calculation function. This segmentation reduces overall data volume while maintaining restoration accuracy for both cases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary calculation and storage of OTF data only for small aperture values where diffraction effects are minimal. For large aperture values, the system prepares a calculation function that can generate OTF data when needed, avoiding the need to store massive amounts of pre-calculated data for all possible conditions.
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive OTF data is stored for all image pickup conditions, then restoration quality is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image restoration process into two distinct paths based on aperture value: (1) for small aperture values, use pre-calculated detailed OTF data from storage; (2) for large aperture values, generate OTF data on-demand using a diffraction phenomenon calculation function. This segmentation reduces overall data volume while maintaining restoration accuracy for both cases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the need for storing comprehensive OTF data for all aperture values with a mathematical calculation function based on diffraction phenomenon theory. This substitution reduces storage requirements and device complexity while maintaining the ability to generate accurate OTF data when needed.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The approach enables highly accurate image restoration processing with reduced data and computation volumes, improving processing speed and cost-effectiveness in image pickup apparatuses.
Implementation Method 1
an image pickup element to photoelectrically convert an object image formed via an image pickup optical system to obtain an original image
Implementation Method 2
These adverse effects include various types of aberrations, such as spherical aberration, coma aberration, curvature of field, and astigmatism, and light diffraction
Data Source
AI summary
An image pickup apparatus includes an image pickup element which obtains an original image, a storage unit which stores a first optical transfer function different depending on an image pickup condition and on a position in the original image and an image restoration filter or a function designed to generate a second optical transfer function, a data obtaining unit which obtains the first optical transfer function when the aperture value is less than a predetermined value, and the image restoration filter or the second optical transfer function generated based on the function designed to generate the second optical transfer function when the aperture value is not less than the predetermined value, a filter generating unit which generates an image restoration filter based on the first or second optical transfer function, and an image processing unit which generates the restored image by using the image restoration filter.